Health Dept Interview

[TippyTappyMeow, MSN]

Hi all,

I have an interview coming up for my city's health department. There's two parts beginning with a written test and then a panel interview. From what I can find on-line it's all about earning the most points during your interview. At the conclusion of the day applicants are ranked by the number of points with the highest earning applicant receiving an offer. It's a continuous job opening so applicants who rank high enough will be left on a list to be re-evaluate each month for a total of 6 months.

I tried to do some research on here and it looks like test/interview process is all dependent on locality. I didn't have a Community/Public Health Clinical so I'm not sure how to prepare. My community course was focused mainly on secondary data project. 

Thank you!

[TippyTappyMeow, MSN]

I wanted to update despite no one replying in case someone else may benefit.

I recommend refreshing your memory on Community/Public Health prior to any interview/exams. I did not do this and it reflected on my score. Thankfully, I still passed and somehow made it to the second round of interviews. I tell myself it's because I am capable, but recognize it could simply be do them not receiving enough applicants. Ha!

Everyone I talked to seemed very lovely and welcoming. Public health has been an interest of mine for a long time, but I'm having some cold feet if I should make the move now or try outpatient clinic work first.

[Yellownurse15, MSN, RN]

I worked at a local health department for a year and I loved it. My interview was a panel with the director, DON, and nursing supervisor. They took turns asking the usual interview questions with questions thrown in about how and why I’m interested in public health. I got hired as an expanded role STD/communicable disease nurse. The only downside to the job was the low pay.  I left the job because I moved to another state.